URMSTON

PEOPLE can discover more about Trafford’s trees and natural heritage and explore the countryside at a series of events and walks being run by environmental charity Red Rose Forest this summer.

Enjoy a guided walk through some of our fantastic urban green spaces, find out about the special trees near you, or make bug houses and bird feeders for your garden.

Events are being held as part of Red Rose Forest’s Heritage Trees project - a new Heritage Lottery funded project set up to celebrate, record and protect special trees, woodlands, orchards and hedgerows.

And a series of guided walks are being organised as part of our new Active Trafford Greenspace project set up to encourage walking and exercise in Trafford’s great outdoors.

The summer of events kicked off with a family stroll around Green Hill in Urmston on August 5 between 11am and 2pm. The two-mile walk offered a chance to learn more about wildflowers and to take part in the Big Butterfly Count.

At the Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry on August 8 - 9 it’s time for Makefest. The Heritage Trees team will be part of a team of inventors, crafters and coders taking over the museum for a weekend of hands-on fun. The free event includes a chance to try your hand at natural dyeing techniques and learn how to use berries and tree bark to dye fabrics.

On August 8 there is another walk in Trafford, this time at Urmston Meadows and Old Ees Brook.

Staff from Red Rose Forest will be on hand to help walkers spot different flower groups and identify their key features. The walk is free but booking is essential. Refreshments will be provided and walkers are advised to wear long-sleeved tops and trousers.

The final event of the summer calendar is Go Wild at Sale Water Park and brings together the Active Trafford Greenspace and the Heritage Trees teams. This free family fun day will be filled with all things wild. Join us for a celebration of the great outdoors with natural play, storytelling, arts activities, a nature trail, traditional craft activities and demonstrations. The event on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31, runs from 12noon - 3pm.

For all walks which require booking contact Janie at Red Rose Forest on 0161 872 1660 or email janie@redroseforest.co.uk.

Janie Burrage, Active Trafford greenspace officer at Red Rose Forest, said: “We’re all set for a summer of activities which aim to celebrate Greater Manchester’s natural heritage.

"From our special trees, orchards, hedgerows and woodlands to undiscovered green spaces, walking routes and trails - there are lots of ways to get in touch with nature locally. Scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find our local towns and cities are brimming with natural wonders.

“Through the Heritage Trees project and our Active Trafford Greenspace project we hope to help people discover new opportunities to connect with nature. So what are you waiting for … explore what Greater Manchester’s great outdoors has to offer this summer with Red Rose Forest.”

For more information about Greater Manchester’s Heritage Trees visit the Red Rose Forest website.